Description

Located in the narrow streets of the old town, I'm not sure I would ever be able to find Plato's again. All that mark's its location is a high hanging sign - entry is through unmarked double doors.

This is because Plato's is converted from an old house. Traces of its former use can still be discerned in the intricate floor tiling, and the fact that the tables sprawl through a cluster of rooms. The tables themselves are sizeable - perfect for large groups... or for getting to know your neighbours. The denizens are approachable, and willing to offer advice on where else to go, though it is not party central, despite the warning on its website that consumption of alcohol may actually result in pregnancy! The music was BB King-esque blues, but was low enough for conversation to be had. Basically, the atmosphere was condusive to those who wanted to sit down and get on with the serious business of drinking.

For those who have had enough of gassy Mediterranean lager (either Keos in the south or Efes in the north) Plato's is a godsend, with one of the largest drinks selections I have ever come across. Pride of place goes to its vast range of Belgian beers, each with its own special glass: some tall and narrow, some bulbous schooners, depending on the drink. One friend, who considers himself something of a connoisseur of Belgian lagers was in raptures as he perused the list of Trappist brews. Whereas I, who never drink lager at home, was exultant to find bitters and stout on the menu - draft Guinness, canned Boddingtons and Caffreys. Of course I paid for it - compared to €4.50 for a Keo (which I felt was quite expensive in itself) it cost €6 for a Boddingtons. The Boddies even came in a branded Boddington's pint glass - heaven only knows how much space they must have devoted to glassware out back!

The barstaff are also capable of producing cocktails - one of the party pronounced himself pleasantly surprised with his salt-rimmed margarita. They have a vast range of spirits, though they may have to have a good root around to find them. Some of our more notable requests were for absinthe (which together with Red Bull made our own patent cocktail 'AWOL'), the herby Hungarian spirit Unicum, and a blue Thai liqueur called Pisang Ambon, that tasted of banana-flavoured penny-chews.

While not a raucous 'get-the-party-started' sort of place (at least on the Sunday night we went), Plato's is a great little spot for a drink and a chat, particularly for those who want a change from the local lager. Plato's caters for the more adventurous in taste - I sincerely doubt that there's an alcoholic beverage that they would not be able to produce for you - all the more surprising considering its location tucked away in a backstreet in an unfashionable city in a far corner of the Mediterranean!